Several activities will take place in FMU’s new faculty/alumni house, The Cottage.

Homecoming events will begin Tuesday, Feb. 24, with a University Programming Board comedy show at 7 p.m. in the Smith University Center commons. The show will feature Cocoa Brown and Redbone from BET’s Comedy View.

Friday will begin with a 9 a.m. breakfast for School of Business graduates at The Cottage. A pep rally for all students, alumni and supporters will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the university center gymnasium. A wine and cheese reception at The Cottage for all alumni kicks off the evening’s events at 7 p.m.

Also beginning at 7 p.m., in the McNair Science Building auditorium, is “Homecoming Stomp Down 2004: The Main Event.” Tickets for this stepshow are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. To purchase tickets, call Precious Cristwell at 843-661-1188.

At 9 p.m. at The Cottage, a welcome-back reception for former athletes will be held, featuring former men’s basketball coach Lewis Hill.

Saturday’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the first Homecoming women’s soccer alumni game. Alumni-check in with a coffee bar will begin at 10:30 a.m. at The Cottage. A women’s basketball Old-Timers’ game begins at 11 a.m. in the university center gymnasium, followed by the men’s Old-Timers’ contest at 11:30 a.m.

The highlight of the day, PatriotFest, begins at noon on the lawn between the university center and Rogers Library. Alumni can enjoy lunch at the All-American Food Fest while reminiscing with former professors and fellow graduates. PatriotFest will also feature music by The Woody’s, door prizes, old-time photos, and activities for children.

From noon to 5 p.m., alumni can take advantage of a 20-percent discount on selected items at the Patriot Bookstore. From 1:30 to 5 p.m., a silent auction will be held in the Smith University Center gymnasium. Bids on exclusive items will support Patriot athletic scholarships.

A basketball doubleheader with Augusta State University will begin with the women’s game at 2 p.m. and the men’s game at 4 p.m. Between the two games, Lewis Hill will be inducted into the FMU Athletic Hall of Fame. During halftime of the men’s game, the 2004 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned. Admission to the games is free.

At 6:30 p.m. in The Cottage, a Patriot Celebration will begin, featuring a live auction to benefit the athletic program. Participants will have the chance to bid on vacation packages and rare sports memorabilia. Admission is $5 for Swamp Fox Club members and $10 for non-members.

For more information about homecoming activities, call the FMU Office of Alumni Affairs at 843-661-1228.